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By: Josiah Pailay & Wilmot Konah
Gbarnga, Bong County – The National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA), with support from the World Bank, has launched a six-day intensive aquaculture training for fish farmers from Bong, Lofa, Nimba, and Margibi Counties, aimed at boosting fish production, improving farming techniques, and enhancing rural livelihoods.
The training, running from August 14 to 19, 2025, at Dolokelen Gboveh High School in Gbarnga, is organized under the theme “Strengthening Aquaculture for Food Security and Rural Livelihoods” as part of the Liberia Sustainable Management of Fisheries Project.
Participants are receiving practical and technical instruction in key areas including water quality management, fish health, feeding practices, fish biology, seed production, broodstock management, biosecurity, and maintenance of fishponds. The program also focuses on value addition and meeting market standards for both local and international markets.
Zizi A.S. Kpadeh, Director of Aquaculture and Inland Fisheries at NaFAA, said the initiative is part of the authority’s broader goal to make Liberia self-sufficient in fish production while protecting the environment.
“Our goal is to empower fish farmers to produce high-quality fish products while minimizing environmental impact,” Kpadeh stated. “With the right skills, Liberia can become self-sufficient in fish production.”
Associate Director Nasi Broh emphasized that improved techniques will enable fish farmers to compete globally, while also contributing to local food security and income generation.
“With proper techniques, fish farmers can improve yields and produce market-ready products that meet global standards,” Broh said.
The training builds on a “training of trainers” workshop held in June 2024 and is expected to strengthen existing aquaculture practices, provide accurate production data for policy planning, and promote sustainable management of fisheries resources.
Aquaculture—commonly known as fish farming in Liberia- is increasingly recognized as a sustainable solution for producing fish and other aquatic species in controlled environments such as ponds and tanks.
Isaac Keita, Coordinator of the Bong County Aquaculture Cooperative Society, described the program as an “eye-opener” that will significantly improve fish farming practices in the participating counties. He noted that many local farmers have relied on traditional methods with limited yields, often lacking access to modern techniques and reliable market linkages. According to Keita, the hands-on training equips participants with practical skills that can be applied immediately, from improving pond management to ensuring better fish health and productivity. He expressed optimism that the knowledge gained will not only raise production levels but also increase incomes for farmers, strengthen cooperatives, and contribute to food security across the region.
NaFAA views the initiative as a vital step toward improving food security, creating jobs, and promoting economic growth in Liberia’s fisheries sector. By providing farmers with modern aquaculture skills, the agency aims to decrease the country’s dependence on imported fish, ensure year-round access to affordable protein, and open new income sources for rural households.
NaFAA believes that as production capacity increases, fish farmers will not only fulfill domestic demand but also access regional markets, boosting Liberia’s export prospects. The program is also expected to enhance community resilience, encourage youth involvement in agriculture, and promote broader investment in the fisheries value chain.
